BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - For the first time since 2007, the Birmingham Barons play host to a major league organization as the Chicago White Sox are in town tonight for an exhibition game at Regions Field.

White Sox players said prior to the game that playing at Regions Field is a special opportunity, and something they are especially proud to do for the fans of both clubs.

Second baseman Marcus Semien is excited to be in Birmingham, where he played exceptionally last year en route to winning the Southern League Most Valuable Player designation. His memories of Regions Field are still fresh in his mind.

"I'll never forget opening day last year, hitting the first home run in the park," he said. "We had a great team last year."

Coming back to his "home" park before his first season in the big leagues (where he's expected to start at second base in next week's opening day game) is special, he said.

"It's great to be back here," he said. "It's a beautiful park, and it looks like everything's completed on it now. I'm very excited to be back and playing here."

"It's great for the fans to have this game in Birmingham," he said.

White Sox manager Robin Ventura agreed that Regions Field is a quality park in which to play.

"I like it a lot," he said, "It's fun to come to a place like this and play."

He said that minor league parks are special for many of his players.

"There's something special about coming to a minor league park and playing,"' he said. "It brings back memories for a lot of the players."